Baby Falls: Immediate First Aid, Red Flags & Prevention

Immediate Response

1. Stay calm. Your composure helps the baby.
2. Assess responsiveness: Tap foot, call name. If unresponsive → call 911, start infant CPR if trained.
3. Check for obvious injury: Bleeding, deformity, swelling, bruising (especially head).
4. Comfort: Pick up, soothe, feed if willing.

Red Flags – Seek Emergency Care Immediately

• Fall height >2 ft (0.6 m) or onto hard surface.
• Loss of consciousness (even brief).
• Vomiting ≥2 episodes.
• Seizure activity.
• Unequal pupils, abnormal eye movements.
• Clear fluid or blood from nose or ears (basilar skull fracture).
• Persistent crying / irritability unconsolable >30 min.
• Refusal to move limb / asymmetry.
• Bulging fontanelle.
• Any concerning behavior change.

Common Minor Injuries & Home Care

• Scalp hematoma (“goose egg”): Ice pack (cloth barrier) 15 min on/off; observe 24 hours. Most are benign.
• Minor cuts/scrapes: Clean with water, apply pressure, antibiotic ointment, bandage.
• Bruises: Arnica gel (optional); monitor for expansion.

When to Call Pediatrician (Non‑Emergent)

• Fall from any height if <3 months old.
• New symptoms within 24–48 hours: sleepiness, feeding difficulty, balance issues.
• You’re unsure—always better to call.

Prevention Checklist

• Never leave baby unattended on elevated surfaces (bed, sofa, changing table).
• Use changing table with strap; keep one hand on baby.
• Crib: firm mattress, slats ≤2⅜″, no bumpers, lower mattress when baby pulls up.
• Stair gates top & bottom (hardware‑mounted).
• Window guards / stops (≤4″ opening).
• Non‑slip bath mat; never leave near water.
• Secure heavy furniture (anchors).
• Baby walkers – do not use (AAP banned).

After the Fall

Document: time, height, surface, behavior. Share with provider. Most falls cause no serious injury; vigilant observation is key.